Books Jesus Read

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Books Jesus Read

On their way to Gilead, Judas and Jonathan encountered some peaceful Nabateans who revealed the location of Jewish families who had been imprisoned and were awaiting execution. Judas reorganized the army into special forces that struck each prison like lightning, killing the persecutors without mercy and rescuing their brothers alive. They combined forces to attack the stronghold of Dathema, which was the largest of the prisons. “Remember, you are fighting today for the lives of your brothers!” cried Judas. His men prayed aloud and blew their trumpets as they stormed the fortress. The noise of their attack was deafening, and the Gentile commander led his army in retreat but eight thousand fell before they could escape. Judas then moved on to Maapha. Conquering it, he put all the males to death, spoiled the city and burned it to the ground. From there he captured Chaspho, Maked, Bosor and the other towns of Gilead. Timotheus, the defeated commander, now assembled another army which encamped at Raphon, beyond the stream. Judas’ spies reported that several Gentile forces had joined with him, and that he had hired many Arab soldiers, comprising a massive force. As soon as Judas set out to meet them in battle, Timotheus gave this order: “Observe Judas and his forces as they approach the stream. If they cross over immediately, we shall not withstand him, for in a direct assault his warriors will defeat us. But if he hesitates, camping across the stream, then we shall be able to take him.” Judas arrived at the stream first and commanded his officers, “Don’t leave anyone behind in camp but send everyone directly into the battle!”